In our latest transfer news and rumours update, we take a look at the ex-Springbok hanging up his boots, Harlequins dealings and the All Blacks.
Former Springbok hangs up his boots
Current La Rochelle star and former Springbok Raymond Rhule has retired with immediate effect, the French club have confirmed.
Rhule arrived at the Top 14 outfit in 2020, and has won two Champions Cups with the club.
“I have created a lot of relationships with a lot of guys here, and even others who have already left,” the winger said on his retirement. “We have managed to do something special, and that will bring us closer together for the rest of our lives.
He added: “It is a special club. When you arrive here, no matter where you come from, no matter what team you played for, you are a Rochelais. Thanks to all the supporters!”
La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara added: “Ray’s story will have marked the club staff. He is a boy that we chose while he was playing in Grenoble, who worked hard to progress and perform with us. He gave a lot of energy to the group and it is a huge loss for the locker room.”
“In the final in Marseille, he achieved something exceptional on what was far from being the best try opportunity… It allowed us to believe in ourselves. It was really a privilege to coach him.”
The Springbok began his career with the Cheetahs back in 2012, before further spells at the Stormers and Grenoble. He also won seven caps for the Boks, all of which came in 2017.
One in one out at Harlequins
It’s also been a busy week in South West London, with Harlequins confirming that Nathan Jibulu will leave the club for Sale Sharks at the end of the season with Guido Petti arriving from Bordeaux.
Hooker Jibulu, 22, made his Quins debut back in the 2022/23 season, and has gone on to make 22 appearances for the Londoners.
Commenting on joining Sale, Jibulu said: “When I was younger, whenever someone asked me, ‘What team would you want to play for?’ I’d always say Sale.”
“I love how the team plays and the mentality around the club. I like the toughness and the attitude that we’re going to run over you physically, and it’s going to be relentless for 80 minutes.”
“I love those games where you go toe-to-toe physically, so all of that attracted me straight away, and then speaking to people who are there already, they said all the stuff that I really like so it was a no-brainer when the opportunity came about.”
Despite losing the promising youngster, Harlequins have already moved to bolster their pack with the addition of Los Pumas star Guido Petti.
The lock, who has 87 caps for Argentina to date, heads to the club after a five-year stint at Top 14 side Bordeaux Begles, where he made 62 appearances.
“I’m excited to join Harlequins next season,” Petti said. “It’s a club with a lot of history and a new challenge in the Gallagher Premiership.”
“Harlequins is an ambitious club with a strong squad, which I can’t wait to join. I’ve heard a lot about the fantastic support of the club and I’m looking forward to playing in front of the supporters at The Stoop.”
He is also the second Argentina international to join the club in the past six months, with Rodrigo Isgro signing earlier this season.
All Blacks rookie re-signs
Crusaders and All Blacks starlet Noah Hotham has re-signed with the Christchurch outfit for a further two years.
The 21-year-old scrum-half has one cap for the All Blacks and also featured for the All Blacks XV last year. He has also made 26 appearances for the Crusaders
“It’s really exciting to know I’ll be here for another two years,” Hotham said.
“I came down to Christchurch with the opportunity given to me by Scott Robertson and Scott Hansen, I’ve taken that with two hands and now Christchurch is my new home. I’ve been loving it, and I’m really excited for the future.”
He added: “To me, putting on the red and black jersey means trying to be the best version of myself and adding to the proud history and legacy that the Crusaders have already.”
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/ex-springboks-retirement-official-as-quins-swoop-for-pumas-star-and-all-blacks-rookie-re-signs
